It was no surprise to those who lost their jobs, whose businesses and financial institutions were failing, and the families who were losing their homes that these, among other signs, were clear indicators that a severe economic downturn was upon us.  Our government officially confirmed a few months ago that our nation was indeed in a recession. 

At the National Cristina Foundation we took note of the fact that requests for used equipment from the numerous groups who comprise our grassroots network of partner organizations was increasing. Additionally, we were getting a marked jump in the number of nonprofits who were asking to join our network and completing grant applications describing their need for equipment they or their clients no longer could afford to buy. It would be difficult to predict if we could keep up with the demand considering that businesses and the public were equally economically challenged.

We decided to poll our partner network of non profits and public agencies across the country about how the current economic downturn might be affecting them generally.  What were their challenges? How were they coping? Several hundred Cristina partner organizations from 41 states responded.

Examining the answers to certain key questions, we noticed some interesting confirmation of anticipated correlations in the relationship between decline of funding and increased requests for support by their target populations. 

A key question that all answered was “How has your organization been impacted by the recession in regard to private contributions that you receive?”

67% of the respondents reported that private contributions had decreased with 5% stating contributions actually went up. Foundation or governmental funding was reported by 48% to have markedly declined.  When asked to comment more specifically about areas where their organization has been significantly impacted by the recession, responses confirmed what we anticipated to be an associated outcome that 56% of the respondent's requests for assistance by their client base had increased and 15% indicated requests had decreased, the remaining 29% reported no significant change. 

Here is a sampling of typical responses when queried to elaborate more specifically about where organizations have been significantly impacted by the recession:

When asked “How is your organization coping with the challenges of the recession?” respondents answered (multiple choices allowed):

        67%   Seek new approaches and techniques

        54%   Re-examining new strategies

        53%   Create partnerships to share resources

        51%   Increased responsibilities assigned to fewer staff

        50%   Increased use of volunteer support

        40%   Reduce staff

        36%   Reduce new project development

        31%   Reduce level of services

What is clearly evident among the survey’s respondents is the need to assess their operations and become more efficient at dealing with fewer resources in order for their programs to effectively survive, especially at a time when their clients are expressing an even greater need for their help. 

Client's concerns about technology support was addressed in a question that asked, “How has the current economic downturn affected your organization’s need for technology that you use for client support? All responded that there was an increase in the need for additional equipment with 61% indicating an increased reliance on donated technology to assist in achieving program goals.

What was particularly interesting were the spontaneous comments that were provided by the respondents as they completed the survey and were invited to add any additional thoughts..  What was especially compelling to us was that in addition to the many expressions of thanks we received “for all our help as a valued partner and appreciation for our technology donation program that was essential to the success of their work” were comments such as the following:

This survey clearly reveals the difficulties faced by non profit organizations as a result of the current economic situation throughout the world.  While these developments have occurred during the past 12 to 18 months, it is coincidental that the National Cristina Foundation has been working over this same period of time to create the Cristina Network, an online community comprised of the Foundation’s many partner organizations.

Based on the responses to the survey, the need for an online community where non-profits can help one another is now greater than ever.  You have clearly stated the need to enhance collaborative efforts, share productive strategies and reach out to new sources for assistance and support.  The Cristina Network, currently in beta, is intended to help in all these areas.  We look forward to bringing you more information on this topic soon.

All of us at the National Cristina Foundation would like to extend a heart-felt thanks to everyone who participated in this survey.